Multiple Engine for Next Z? from Nissan VP

Read T · 12-04-2014, 02:27 PM

If that has been covered, or if you are over seeing four hundred threads with speculation about the Z35, Mods delete this.

Taken from Autoblog:

Quote:

Roel de Vries, the corporate vice president and global head of marketing and brand strategy for Nissan, told Australia's CarAdvice that as far as he's concerned, any engine in the 370Z "[needs] to deliver on what the car stands for and if the 370Z stands for real performance and real driving I think it doesn't need a V6 to do that." At first read, it could look like de Vries is softening us up for a next-generation Z that doesn't come with a V6, a move that would disappoint a lot of the coupe's fans.

Or, what if de Vries was actually getting us ready for a Z with multiple engine options, instead of only a V6, in order to expand its global appeal? That appeared to be the gist of his comments, the exec saying that they couldn't sell a V6-engined Z in Europe, but even if they offer a four-cylinder there, the V6 could live on because, "why should we give it up?" With the coupe's current name a factor of the 3.7-liter displacement of it's V6, though, what is the future for a car with several engine options? Said de Vries, "We [will] definitely keep the Z name, but when we did 350 to 370 it was because of the capacity, but who says the next-generation doesn't have three engines and its not just called Z?"

This kind of talk has been going on all year, the real question being how many engines will the car get and what's the endgame. At the beginning of the year, ex product chief Andy Palmer said the car codenamed Z35 would use a "downsized four-cylinder turbocharged engine." In August, Motor Trend reported that the next Z would offer "a mixture of smaller but powerful engines," including a hybrid, but that a V6 would remain the headliner. Two weeks later, MT said that Nissan wanted to transition customers from the naturally aspirated V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder with the same power, eventually, but would begin with both on the menu. Parallel to that are Shiro Nakamura's out-loud musings about how to merge the next Z and the IDx concepts into "a more affordable, more approachable sports car." The answers, whatever they are, will be a big deal for the brand.

theDreamer · 12-04-2014, 02:34 PM

So really...they are just throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks before they launch.

Jordo! · 12-04-2014, 02:47 PM

I don't care that much about the specific engine, provided it has good off the line torque and decent power, meaning it certainly can't result in a slower Z relative to previous ones.

OEM FI would be great -- that means a stout motor that has lots of room to make more power, again, provided it isn't anemic off the line.

I'd disregard the idX commentary... if any of that car's DNA goes into the next Z, it will be in the form of weight savings and package options -- not in looks or performance. They aren't going to make the next Z look like a Datsun 510.

Honestly, if they made the car 200 lbs heavier than the FR-S, but gave it a V6 or turbo 4 (or an option of both) it would be a screamer and a hit.

Read T · 12-04-2014, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

Honestly, if they made the car 200 lbs heavier than the FR-S, but gave it a V6 or turbo 4 (or an option of both) it would be a screamer and a hit.

Seems like even with the OEM engine, the FR-S is a pretty good hit around these parts. They are a blast to drive too! (I do not mean to start a war)

czirrfb · 12-04-2014, 05:11 PM

Out of the FR-S and S2000 which is more fun to drive? Ive personally driven an S2000 and it was awesome, felt like a Go Kart and had zero body roll, felt very stiff and planted. I've never driven an FR-S

370zproject · 12-04-2014, 05:11 PM

who cares if it looks like crap i wont go near it

370zproject · 12-04-2014, 05:12 PM

on the other hand not everyone is a fan of the frs but omg its fun to drive

wanker · 12-04-2014, 05:20 PM

The FR-S was fun to drive until you hit a hill, then it's lack of power was readily apparent.

90 ST · 12-04-2014, 05:32 PM

I'm not believing anything till I see one, there has been way too much speculation regarding the next Z. The real question is are they going to fix the CSC. lol

Rusty · 12-04-2014, 05:38 PM

Don't want to turn this thread into a FR-S thread. Was reading that the sales for the FR-S are down. And Toyota is not putting any FI on the motor either.

Redglare · 12-04-2014, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90 ST

I'm not believing anything till I see one, there has been way too much speculation regarding the next Z. The real question is are they going to fix the CSC. lol

lol I hope they do, and not by only offering the AT!

Read T · 12-04-2014, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redglare

lol I hope they do, and not by only offering the AT!

nope, they'll also offer a CVT

(with revmatching)

Rusty · 12-04-2014, 08:20 PM

Ever feel like you're in a group circle jerk?

VCuomo · 12-04-2014, 09:14 PM

Here's the text of a similar article published today in InsiderCarNews.com:

Quote:

With tightening global regulations on emissions and fuel economy, sports car manufacturers are twisting itself like a contortionist to find new and creative ways to remain compliant. One car that runs into this issue is the current Nissan 370Z. The Z car has always been a six-cylinder vehicle, including the early years of and 240Z, but European buyers mostly don’t care for V-6-power and U.S. buyers need a more fuel-efficient models to choose from. This is exactly why Nissan is looking into offering various engine options for the next-generation Z car, per a report from Car Advice.

» Related: Nissan Previews the 2016 GT-R with its 2015 Japan-Spec Model

The Aussie site spoke to Nissan’s corporate vice president Roel de Vries, and he is quoted saying “Can you sell a V6 [370Z] in Europe? No. Does that mean the next Z will have a V6 [for Europe]? No, of course we are not going to do that.” He followed that up with “[But] there’s still an audience that wants a six-cylinder engine, so why should we give it up? That’s all part of ongoing studies.”

Translated, this means that Nissan won’t necessarily kill the V-6 in the next-generation Z, but it is looking into what other engines buyers may consider. Most of the speculation in the industry has centered on a midrange, turbocharged four-cylinder and a base-level, naturally aspirated four-pot sitting under the range-topping V-6. These engines would give the Z the opportunity to take on the new Mustang Ecoboost and the upcoming turbo four-cylinder Camaro with its midrange engine, and the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S and Toyota GT 86 triplets with its base engine.

After changing the engine beneath the hood of the next Z, the issue that pops up is the name. Both the 350Z and 370Z were named after the displacement of their engines — the 350 had a 3.5-liter and the 370 has a 3.7-liter — so how would Nissan structure this? The Nissan boss responded to that by saying “In my opinion the displacement as part of the product name is a bit behind us,” but clarified it later by confirming that the “Z” name will remain. He even pointed to the possibility that the 370Z’s successor could simply be called the Nissan Z.

The next-generation Z car is expected to hit the market within two years, so we’ll likely see more details rolling our soon. We’ll bring you more updates as they come.

My question is: If they haven't yet even decided something as fundamental as what the engine(s) will be, how can the next-gen Z be coming out within two years?

Jordo! · 12-04-2014, 09:58 PM

Just to be clear, all I meant regarding the FR-S was that I'd have no complaints about an FR-Sish sized (i.e., "downsized") Z, provided it performed as well as or (ideally) better than the current gen Z.

I'm sure the FR-S is a lot of fun -- my original plan, before getting the Z, was to buy a FR-S and put a blower on it

12-04-2014, 02:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	So really...they are just throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks before they launch. Trips, 370zproject, onzedge and 3 others like this. __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

12-04-2014, 02:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 418	I don't care that much about the specific engine, provided it has good off the line torque and decent power, meaning it certainly can't result in a slower Z relative to previous ones. OEM FI would be great -- that means a stout motor that has lots of room to make more power, again, provided it isn't anemic off the line. I'd disregard the idX commentary... if any of that car's DNA goes into the next Z, it will be in the form of weight savings and package options -- not in looks or performance. They aren't going to make the next Z look like a Datsun 510. Honestly, if they made the car 200 lbs heavier than the FR-S, but gave it a V6 or turbo 4 (or an option of both) it would be a screamer and a hit. 370zproject and carlitos_370z like this. __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it.

12-04-2014, 05:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
czirrfb Base Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Phoenix Posts: 162 Drives: 03 Nissan 350z DB M6 Rep Power: 11	Out of the FR-S and S2000 which is more fun to drive? Ive personally driven an S2000 and it was awesome, felt like a Go Kart and had zero body roll, felt very stiff and planted. I've never driven an FR-S carlitos_370z likes this.

12-04-2014, 05:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
370zproject A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Memphis Age: 35 Posts: 16,104 Drives: 09 A/T 370z blue Rep Power: 53	who cares if it looks like crap i wont go near it DEpointfive0 likes this. __________________ Brake Upgrade Package ate blue, hawk hp ceramic pads, and slotted rotors

12-04-2014, 05:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
370zproject A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Memphis Age: 35 Posts: 16,104 Drives: 09 A/T 370z blue Rep Power: 53	on the other hand not everyone is a fan of the frs but omg its fun to drive carlitos_370z likes this. __________________ Brake Upgrade Package ate blue, hawk hp ceramic pads, and slotted rotors

12-04-2014, 05:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
wanker Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Diego Posts: 443 Drives: 2011 370Z S/T A7 Rep Power: 2901	The FR-S was fun to drive until you hit a hill, then it's lack of power was readily apparent.

12-04-2014, 05:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	I'm not believing anything till I see one, there has been way too much speculation regarding the next Z. The real question is are they going to fix the CSC. lol UNKNOWN_370, Zcoupe, carlitos_370z and 1 others like this.

12-04-2014, 05:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 35,217 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684438	Don't want to turn this thread into a FR-S thread. Was reading that the sales for the FR-S are down. And Toyota is not putting any FI on the motor either. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

12-04-2014, 08:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 35,217 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684438	Ever feel like you're in a group circle jerk? Ghostvette likes this. __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

12-04-2014, 09:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 418	Just to be clear, all I meant regarding the FR-S was that I'd have no complaints about an FR-Sish sized (i.e., "downsized") Z, provided it performed as well as or (ideally) better than the current gen Z. I'm sure the FR-S is a lot of fun -- my original plan, before getting the Z, was to buy a FR-S and put a blower on it carlitos_370z likes this. __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it.

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